Victor Montagliani declines FIFA presidential challenge

Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president has been strengthened following the decision by Concacaf president Victor Montagliani not to challenge him. Montagliani, who has served as Concacaf president since 2016 and is also a FIFA vice-president, has instead decided to seek a final term leading the North, Central American and Caribbean confederation.

Montagliani was previously viewed by many in international football as a credible candidate capable of uniting federations dissatisfied with Infantino’s leadership. This opposition largely stemmed from the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which sought to involve private investors in World Cup commercial rights—a move rejected by UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Confederation.

With Montagliani opting out of the presidential race, the coalition seeking a challenger to the incumbent must identify a new candidate before the November 18 nomination deadline. The FIFA Congress vote is scheduled for March 18, 2027.